Talisa Garcia is making history. The Baptiste British actress is set to star in the Disney+ series Willow, making her the first openly trans star cast in a production from Disney‘s Lucasfilm. Click inside to read more… The show is described by Deadline as a TV spinoff of the 1980s fantasy classic, and is now in post-production.
In the series, a princess assembles a party to join her on a quest to rescue her twin brother. Talisa will reportedly play a Queen, and the mother to Tony Revolori’s character who takes part in the quest.
Her role is described as a small speaking part, and she may only appear in one episode. It’s the first known time a trans actor has played a cis character in a Disney+ film or series. “During the shoot, we hear there was pride and support among many of Garcia’s colleagues about her casting,” Deadline noted.
The hire also happened long before Disney’s current controversy regarding their delayed stance on the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida, which sparked outrage and employee walk-outs.